Bissu Shaman of Indonesia

Bissu of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, are often described as a fifth gender—individuals who embody both male and female elements and serve as spiritual intermediaries in Bugis society. Traditionally revered as priests, ritual leaders, and custodians of sacred knowledge, bissu once held high status and were essential to royal and community ceremonies. However, with the spread of Islam and modern state ideologies emphasising binary gender norms, bissu have faced growing marginalisation and misunderstanding.